Kansas Day Trips
Kansas may be known for its wide-open prairies, but it’s also full of charming towns, scenic parks, and hidden gems that make for the perfect day trip. Having explored the state on a four week road trip, I’ve found that Kansas offers a surprising variety of destinations, whether you’re looking for history, outdoor adventures, or just a relaxing change of pace.
I discovered small towns with rich heritage, quiet lakes and trails perfect for a peaceful escape, and lively spots filled with art, food, and local culture. From family-friendly activities to scenic drives and historic landmarks, Kansas has plenty of ways to make a day trip memorable. Here are the ones I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Abilene - 1 hour and 30 minutes from Topeka
Abilene, Kansas, about midway between Kansas City and Wichita, is a place I found both charming and full of history. I felt like I was stepping into a small town that has played a big role in America’s story.
We drove west from Topeka in about an hour and a half and stayed at 2-star Holiday Inn Express & Suites Abilene for two days.
I loved that there was so much to see and do. We started at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, and I loved how it gave such a powerful look into the life of the 34th president.
I also enjoyed exploring Old Abilene Town, where wooden boardwalks, historic buildings, and even staged gunfights brought the Wild West past to life.
You can also explore local history at the Heritage Center of Dickinson County, learn about greyhounds at the Greyhound Hall of Fame, ride a historic steam engine on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (named #5 Best Scenic Train Ride in America by USA Today 10Best in 2025), and see a historic home at the Seelye Mansion.
For me, Abilene is one of the coolest small towns in Kansas in the heart of the Midwest.
My favorite highlight was watching the sunset from the Abilene City Park footbridge.
2. Atchison - 1 hour and 15 minutes from Kansas City
Atchison, nestled along the Missouri River 1 hour north of Kansas City, is a place I found both beautiful and full of fascinating history. I thought this town was one of the best day trips in Kansas. Why? It felt like stepping into a storybook town and I loved how much there was to experience here.
We started at the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, where I got a wonderful glimpse into the life of one of America’s most daring pioneers. I also enjoyed wandering through downtown Atchison, where we stopped at The Sunflower for coffee and pastries.
You can explore local history at the Atchison County Historical Society Museum, visit the Muchnic Art Gallery for an hour, or stroll across the Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge with its sweeping views of the river and skyline.
If you’re into spooky stories, Atchison is known as one of the most haunted towns in Kansas — and their Haunted Trolley Tour ($12) is a must during fall.
My favorite highlight was watching the sunset from the Riverfront Park overlook, across the Missouri River.
3. Cottonwood Falls - 1 hour and 30 minutes from Wichita
Cottonwood Falls, Kansas felt like stepping into a slower time surrounded by rolling prairie and warm hospitality. We drove north from Wichita in about an hour and a half and stayed at Clover Cliff Ranch Bed & Breakfast for two days.
I loved walking along Broadway Street, where antique shops, art galleries, and local cafés make up a main street that feels straight out of a classic Midwest postcard.
You can also explore the nearby Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, where open skies and endless grasslands showcase the last remnants of true tallgrass prairie. Stop by the Chase County Historical Museum, stroll across the Cottonwood River Bridge, and visit Cottonwood Coffeehouse for a coffee break.
My favorite highlight was standing on the hill above town at sunset, watching the prairie glow gold and purple in the fading light.
4. Council Grove - 1 hour and 15 minutes from Topeka
I thought that Council Grove, Kansas, set along the old Santa Fe Trail in the Flint Hills, was one of the best day trips in Kansas on my recent visit. This place won me over with its history, beauty, and heart. It felt like walking through a small town that’s deeply connected to America’s frontier past.
We drove west from Topeka in about an hour, the highway giving way to rolling hills and stretches of tallgrass before reaching Council Grove.
We started at the Kaw Mission State Historic Site, where I learned about the Native Kaw (Kansa) people and the early days of the Santa Fe Trail.
You can also visit the Hays House 1857 Restaurant, one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants west of the Mississippi, take a peaceful walk around the Council Grove Reservoir, tour the Terwilliger Home, and stop by the Madison Street bridge for a view of the river.
My personal highlight was exploring downtown Council Grove, where brick streets, historic buildings, and friendly shops give the town a warm, old-fashioned feel.
5. Dodge City - 2 hours and 45 minutes from Wichita
Dodge City, Kansas, out on the western plains, is one of those places where the Old West comes alive in a way that feels both exciting and authentic. I can almost hear echoes of cowboys, cattle drives, and saloon doors swinging open.
We drove west from Wichita in about three hours and stayed at the comfortable Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dodge City for two days.
We started at Boot Hill Museum, and I loved walking down the recreated Front Street with its wooden boardwalks, old-time shops, and even staged gunfights.
I also appreciated the Santa Fe Trail tracks and the historic sites scattered around the area. Standing where wagons once crossed made the experience feel so real, and it reminded me of how much this city meant in shaping frontier life.
For me, Dodge City is one of the coolest destinations in Kansas. It’s not just a tourist stop...it’s a living connection to the Wild West that combines museums, history, and small-town friendliness into something truly memorable.
6. Fairway - just 15 minutes from KC
We drove southwest from Kansas City in just fifteen minutes, the city shifting quickly into quiet neighborhoods before arriving in Fairway.
One of my favorite stops was the Shawnee Indian Mission Historic Site. Learning about the early history of the area was unusual and meaningful, and standing on those old grounds made me feel connected to a deeper story than you’d expect in a suburban town.
I also found a few hidden gems when it came to dining, including Front Range Cafe - Fairway with locally roasted brews, and great burgers at Tavern in the Village.
7. Fort Scott - 1 hour and 40 minutes from Kansas City
Fort Scott, Kansas, located near the Missouri border, is a place that pulls you into its layered history. I was won over by how the past is preserved here in such a meaningful and accessible way.
We drove south from Kansas City in about an hour and a half, the road passing farmland and gentle hills before arriving in Fort Scott.
We started at Fort Scott National Historic Site, and I loved wandering through the restored 1840s buildings. Walking past officers’ quarters, barracks, and stables felt like stepping back into frontier life, and it gave me a joyful sense of connection to both Civil War and westward expansion history.
Downtown Fort Scott also caught my attention with its unusual mix of 19th-century architecture and lively local businesses.
We also explored the Gordon Parks Museum, which honors the groundbreaking African American photographer, filmmaker, and writer who grew up here.
For me, Fort Scott is one of the coolest historic towns in Kansas. You can stay at 2-star Sleep Inn & Suites Fort Scott and make it a Kansas weekend getaway instead of a day trip.
8. Hays - 1 hour and 20 minutes from Salina
Hays, Kansas, right off I-70 in the western part of the state feels like a place where frontier history meets modern prairie life. I was surprised by how much there is to see and do in what at first looks like a quiet college town.
We drove west from Salina in about two hours, the highway stretching long across open plains until the spires and rooftops of Hays came into view.
We explored the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, and I loved its unusual collection of fossils and prehistoric displays. Standing in front of giant marine reptiles that once swam through Kansas gave me a joyful sense of wonder and made the visit unforgettable.
Downtown Hays also stood out to me for its hidden gems. The old brick buildings now house breweries, cafés, and art galleries, and I thought it was cool how the historic character mixes with a lively, youthful energy from nearby Fort Hays State University.
We wandered along the brick-paved streets, visited local shops, and even stopped at the Ellis County Historical Museum to dive deeper into the town’s Wild West roots. The blend of buffalo-hunting history and frontier railroad stories added layers that made Hays more than just another Kansas town.
For me, Hays is one of the most exciting spots in western Kansas. It’s a place where you can explore history, enjoy local culture, and feel the wide-open spirit of the prairie all in one stop. I always leave thinking about when I’ll get to come back.
9. Hillsboro - 1 hour north from Wichita
Hillsboro, Kansas, tucked into Marion County, feels like a small town with a big heart and a strong cultural identity.
We drove north from Wichita in about an hour, the road cutting through fields of wheat and sunflowers before reaching Hillsboro.
We visited the Mennonite Heritage and Agricultural Museum for an hour, and I loved learning how Mennonite settlers brought their traditions, skills, and even Turkey Red Wheat to the plains.
Walking downtown, I discovered hidden gems in the shops and cafés that line the main street. The friendly conversations and relaxed pace made the experience feel welcoming, and it was cool to see how local businesses really anchor the community.
We also explored the nearby Marion Reservoir, where trails, fishing, and wide-open prairie views added a refreshing outdoor escape.
For me, Hillsboro is one of the most underrated towns in central Kansas and one of the best day trips in the state. Why? It blends heritage, hospitality, and a peaceful setting into something that always leaves me with warm memories and a desire to come back.
10. Wichita, Kansas
Wichita, Kansas, right in the heart of the state, always impresses me with how much energy and variety it has. We started and ended our recent Kansas road trip here and stayed at Ambassador Hotel Wichita (AAA's Four Diamond winner) for four days. Although I already wrote about it in my Best Places to Visit in Kansas article, I think it makes a great day trip if you live out in the country.
You can spend two hours in Downtown Wichita which features historic brick warehouses now filled with breweries, coffee shops, and art spaces. One of my favorite things to do is Botanica where you can see 4,000 unique plant species.
I also enjoyed exploring Old Cowtown Museum, where walking past frontier buildings made me feel like I had stepped back into the 1800s. That unusual mix of living history and city life added depth to the trip and made it stand out.
For me, Wichita is one of the most exciting cities in Kansas. From its aviation heritage at the Kansas Aviation Museum to its vibrant food scene and welcoming neighborhoods, it offers a blend of history, culture, and fun that always makes me eager to return.
Conclusion
After exploring so many towns and cities, I’ve come to realize that Kansas is full of surprises. Each stop, from the wide-open prairies to the historic streets, left me with a joyful sense of discovery and connection to the state’s story.
I loved uncovering hidden gems like Abilene’s presidential library, Atchison’s aviation and ghost stories, and Dodge City’s Wild West flair. Every place offered something cool and memorable, proving that Kansas isn’t just flyover country but a destination full of depth and charm.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
